Cindy Fredrick hired as head volleyball coach

Former University of Iowa Coach Cindy Fredrick was named the Luther Head Volleyball Coach. After coaching at the Division I level for 24 years, Luther might seem like a step down. However, Fredrick is excited for her new position.

Fredrick’s brother saw that former Head Coach Jane Gibbs resigned, so she went to the NCAA Web site and saw the position at Luther was open. Fredrick’s many ties to Luther encouraged her decision to look into the position.

Her family has known President Torgerson for a long time because of his time spent at Wartburg.

“He was the biggest draw for me in the beginning, to say I’d like to work for him,” Fredrick said.

Through that tie to Luther, Fredrick has always been aware of the school. Marcus Newsom, Wartburg’s track and field coach, told her she would absolutely love it.

“I actually officiated one of the games at Luther and thought this would really be a nice place to coach,” she said. “I remember thinking, I wonder if Jane will ever leave.”

Fredrick coached at Washington State University for 15 years, Weaver State University in Utah for four years and University of Iowa for four years. She decided to take a couple years off from Division I so she could have the opportunity to watch her son, a student at University of Northern Iowa, play basketball in his last seasons.

Fredrick enjoyed coaching at the Division I level but is looking forward to a change of pace. After a chance to recharge her batteries and regain her passion, she is ready to coach again.

“When you are in the Big Ten and Pac 10, it is a lot of high stress.” Fredrick said.

She is drawn to Division III athletics because there is a better sense of balance between sports and academics.

“It is a little more participating in sport because of the love of the sport,” Frederick said.

After meeting with the members of the volleyball team, she is excited to get into the gym and get to work.

“The girls have had a taste of the NCAAs and want to move on and be more successful,” Fredrick said. “I like their attitude and desire to be even better.”

Fredrick feels that when it comes time to recruit to Luther, recruiting falls heavily on academic side. She feels it is an excellent school and the reputation is sold to student-athletes.

“In a way you’re looking at an opportunity to play with all that Division III has to offer, with coaches that have been coaching at a Division I level so I think that is a real positive as well,” Fredrick said.